Have you recently had wisdom teeth removal and noticed your wisdom teeth stitches coming out? Don’t panic—this is often a normal part of the healing process. However, understanding when loose stitches are concerning versus when they’re expected can help ensure your recovery process goes smoothly.
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Understanding Wisdom Teeth Stitches and Their Role
After wisdom tooth removal, your oral surgeon uses stitches to close the surgical site and protect the extraction area. These stitches serve multiple crucial functions during the healing process.
Your surgeon will choose between different types of stitches based on your specific case. Dissolvable stitches naturally break down over seven to ten days. These type of stitches eliminate the need for a removal appointment and is the most common choice for routine wisdom teeth surgery. Non-dissolvable stitches require professional removal during a follow-up visit within one to two weeks after extraction surgery.
Why Wisdom Teeth Stitches Might Be Coming Out
Seeing wisdom teeth stitches hanging or noticing excess thread is often completely normal during the recovery process. When dissolvable stitches naturally break down, you might notice small pieces of suture thread in your mouth or feel hanging stitches with your tongue—this typically indicates proper healing is occurring.
However, when wisdom teeth stitches come loose too early, it can signal problems. Improper care, aggressive rinsing, eating hard foods, or accidentally disturbing the surgical site can cause premature stitch loss and compromise the healing process.
Contact your dentist or oral surgeon immediately if you experience persistent pain or bleeding at the extraction area, signs of infection such as swelling, fever, or pus, an empty socket, or severe pain that worsens rather than improves. These symptoms may indicate a wisdom tooth infection or other complications that require prompt attention.
Post-Operative Instructions for Proper Healing
Following aftercare instructions and post-operative instructions carefully is essential for proper care and optimal recovery. Start rinsing gently with a saltwater solution made from one teaspoon of salt in warm water, beginning 24 hours after wisdom tooth surgery. This simple rinse helps maintain good oral hygiene without being too harsh on healing tissues.
Your diet has a significant impact on the healing process. Stick to soft foods, such as applesauce, yogurt, and smoothies, during the first week. Gradually reintroduce firmer textures as proper healing progresses. Maintain good oral hygiene without disturbing the surgical site by brushing gently around the extraction area.
Most importantly, avoid smoking, alcohol, and using straws to prevent complications. These activities can increase your risk of infection or painful dry socket. Use prescribed medications for pain relief as directed, and apply ice packs during the first 24-48 hours to reduce swelling.
Attend your scheduled follow-up appointment to monitor the healing process and address any concerns about your recovery. Your oral surgeon will assess whether the wisdom teeth stitches have come out appropriately or if additional dental care is needed.
Choose Kakar Dental Group for Expert Care
At Kakar Dental Group, we understand that wisdom teeth removal can feel overwhelming. Our experienced team provides comprehensive oral surgery services, adhering to meticulous care protocols. We educate patients about aftercare instructions, monitor the healing process through follow-up appointments, and address complications promptly.
Trust our expertise to guide you through every aspect of wisdom tooth removal and oral surgery with professional care and genuine compassion for your well being.
